Liverpool’s Three Graces views blocked by Mann Island build

Protected views of Liverpool’s Three Graces lost to new Mann Island development

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Protected views of Liverpool’s Three Graces have been blocked by a landmark new development on the city’s waterfront.

The Mann Island structures block key views of the Liver, Cunard and Port of Liverpool buildings which a planning brief sought to protect.

A city leader today said he is “deeply disappointed” at the loss of the views.

But the developer insisted the new buildings – three glazed black blocks – are “already adding to the quality and diversity” of the waterfront’s architecture.

The original Mann Island planning brief sets out six “key views” from the city centre, as well as two others, which were to be protected.

Two of the city views no longer exist, while another can only be seen from a specific stretch of pavement.

It is now impossible to see the ornate roof of the Port of Liverpool Building, in the heart of the World Heritage site, from key points.

But the protection of the views appears to have been abandoned as the development by Countryside Neptune gathered momentum.

One of the lost views of the Graces is from the arch of the former Transit Shed, a favourite of tourists looking for an iconic Liverpool snap.

The £135m development will house flats, shops and offices by the time it is completed next year.

Neptune is one of Merseyside’s best-known developers, and is responsible for the ongoing regeneration scheme in New Brighton.

But Cllr Paul Brant, the deputy leader of Liverpool’s Labour group and who represents the city ward covering Mann Island, lamented the loss of the views.

Cllr Brant said: “I like the buildings. I think they’re great buildings, but in the wrong place or on the wrong scale or massing.

“It seemed to me to be madness to be downgrading views of some of our architectural heritage in a way that might make it less attractive to visit.

“It’s bizarre that Liverpool residents now have to go to Birkenhead to see the best view of the Three Graces.”

A spokesman for Neptune Developments said the planning brief was produced at a very early stage.

He added: “The planning application was supported by all the major public bodies and urban design organisations and we have adhered to the detail of that application. When completed the Mann Island development will be a crucially important component in Liverpool’s new waterfront.”